Woman looking at hair in mirrorWoman looking at hair in mirror

5 Things You Should Avoid If You Have Thinning Hair

Thinning hair is already in a fragile state and needs extra TLC, so it’s important to come up with a game plan. Unfortunately, some of your daily hair care habits could be doing more harm than good. 

Tight hairstyles, lifestyle choices and even what you eat can all have an effect on your hair. But that’s not all. Read on to discover what to avoid, and what products you should add to your routine to support thicker, fuller looking hair

1. Constant Stress

Reducing stress is often easier said than done. But when stress lingers in the body for too long, it can trigger a type of hair loss called telogen effluvium or TE. And if stress cortisol levels continue to spike, you might also experience dandruff, dull-looking hair, disrupted sleep patterns and even digestive issues.

Thankfully, TE is usually reversible. Talk to a dermatologist or trichologist for in-depth advice to improve your hair's wellness. Also, focus on relieving stress. Spending time in nature, conscious breathing and even a little lunchtime yoga can all help. 

2. Neglecting Your Scalp 

The skin on your scalp is super sensitive, and if neglected, the pH balance can go awry, creating problems for your locks. Dead skin, oil, product buildup and more can clog your hair follicles, which can result in inflammation and hair loss. 

Thankfully, you can easily tend to your scalp and clear away the gunk. Use a scalp massager (or your fingertips) to gently work in a targeted detoxifying serum, which will help rid your scalp of impurities and also form a protective barrier to lock in moisture. 

To level up your scalp game, add a nourishing, plant-based hair serum like GRO Hair Serum, which supports thicker, fuller looking hair in as soon as 90 days. Pro tip: Since it takes 90 days to see results, opt for a 90-day supply and save money too! 

GRO Hair Serum - Before & After

3. Harsh Shampoos & Conditioners

If you're washing your hair with sulfate-infused shampoos, conditioning with harmful silicones and adding oils that contain toxins, you could experience excessive hair shedding, which can compound the issue of already-thinning hair. Parabens, polyethylene glycols, formaldehyde, triclosan and more can cause scalp dryness buildup, as well as damaged strands and hair fall. 

Instead, consider a plant-based, gentle approach to washing and fortifying your strands, with a shampoo and a conditioner that smooth, condition and restore. 

4. Too-Tight Hairstyles 

An easy updo is a style savior when you're in a rush, but if you're constantly yanking back your strands and tugging at hair from the root, it can wreak havoc on your already thinning hair. Daily top knots, braids, cornrows or far-too-tight ponytails can trigger a condition called traction alopecia, which can result in broken hair, thinning hair and bald patches. 

Let your hair fall free as often as possible and create less updo friction by using gentle hair ties or a claw clip that won't snag your strands to improve your hair's overall condition. 

5. Junk Food

It’s no secret that a steady diet of fast-food takeout, sugary drinks and processed snacks isn’t good for your body, but it’s also not good for your hair. And while most foods are fine to enjoy on occasion, for the most part, you’ll want to follow a diet that's rich in vitamins and nutrients. Consider adding a daily multi-vitamin designed to support healthy hair to your routine. 

Healthy Habits Equal Healthy Hair

To help your thinning hair gain more density and decrease shedding, consider a holistic approach. Eat a balanced diet and keep your stress in check. Stay away from too-hot styling tools and avoid tight hairstyles. Finally, regularly treat your tresses to high-performance, hair products that can encourage fuller, thicker looking hair naturally.

By incorporating beneficial body and hair wellness habits into your routine — and avoiding those that can harm your thinning hair — you’ll pave the way to a healthier, happier you with a head of fuller, thicker hair. 

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Disclaimer: Information in this article is intended for general informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek professional medical advice from your physician.